Verismo Holding Auditions for La Traviata, La Bohème

Verismo Opera under the leadership of Artistic Director Lucine Amara invites professional, amateur, and retired professional soloists of all vocal categories to audition for roles in the opera company’s 2014 productions.  New Jersey residents are encouraged to apply.

Solo roles are available in the company’s new productions of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata and Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. Open auditions will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, and Wednesday, Dec. 18. from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in the Cabaret Room, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood.

Verismo Opera will perform La Traviata on Sunday, April 6, 2014 and La Bohème on Oct. 26, 2014. The productions will be presented at 3 p.m. at bergenPAC.  The company will present these grand operas fully staged with a live orchestra and chorus.

Selected vocalists will receive free coaching and an in-depth understanding of the role from professionals in the field, including Artistic Director Lucine Amara, General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, Maestro Anthony Morss, and Chorus Director Mara Waldman.  Professional photos and a DVD of the production will be available to use for future engagements and performances.

“Most importantly, the vocalists experience working and performing on the stage in a professional production.  This is also a great opportunity for any promising, young artist to prepare for a role in a professional setting before being engaged by a major opera company,” said Amara.

For La Traviata, auditions will be held for the roles of Violetta Valéry (full lyric soprano), Baron Douphol (bass baritone), Marquis d’Obigny (bass or baritone), Giuseppe (tenor), Annina (soprano), and the Commissioner (bass or baritone).  Auditions will also be held for the roles of Musetta (soprano), Benoît (bass), Alcindoro (bass), Parpignol (tenor) and two custom sergeants (bass) to perform in La Bohème.

Vocalists are also invited to apply to audition for cover positions of Violetta Valéry (lyric soprano), Flora (mezzo-soprano), Alfredo Germont (tenor), Giorgio Germont (baritone), and Gastone in La Traviata.  Auditions will also be held to cover the roles of Rodolfo (tenor), Marcello (baritone), and Musetta (soprano) in La Bohème.

All applicants must have previous experience in a fully staged production and the necessary vocal training to perform leading or supporting roles.  The application deadline to audition is Dec. 13. New Jersey residents are encouraged to apply.  Although an accompanist will be provided, applicants may bring their own. For an audition appointment, call 201-886-0561or send an email to info@verismopera.org.

Applicants must submit a bio listing current or past performances and roles sung, a resume, photo and an audio file, preferably in an MP3 format or on a CD, by the application deadline to Verismo Opera Inc., P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024 or to info@verismopera.org.  A refundable $25 deposit must be submitted with all applications. Checks should be made out to Verismo Opera.